Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-03

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows how one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The formation of rain-shadow deserts

Student answer (Band 7.0)

The line diagram illustrates the process by which a rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, it is clear that the process consists of seven major steps, beginning with moist winds approching the coast from the sea and concluding with arid conditions in inland areas. The journey spans thousands of kilometres, with the majority of the procedures occuring in windward side of the mountains and the final stages on the leeward side.

In detail, the process commences when winds approach the coast encounter a mountain range, they are forced upward consequently, the moist air rises and cools on the windward side, leading to condensation and cloud formation. Subsequently, precipitation occurs, with rain falling on this side of the mountains.

After crossing the peak, the dry air descends on the leeward side. Finally, these dry winds reach the inland areas, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert. Throughout this entire cycle, the wind travels thousands of kilometers from the ocean to the interior regions.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response successfully covers all parts of the task by outlining the main stages in the formation of a rain-shadow desert, from moist winds approaching the coast to dry winds reaching inland areas. An effective overview is provided, highlighting the seven major steps and the geographical division between the windward and leeward sides of the mountains. The main features are reported accurately, and comparisons or sequential relationships are established well. However, the development of certain ideas tends to generalise slightly rather than fully exploring every minor detail, which places this response comfortably at the targeted level. Overall, the information is well selected and directly addresses the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The text demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information flows naturally from the introduction to the overview, followed by the detailed progression of the steps across the mountain range. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, separating the general overview from the detailed body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In detail', 'After crossing the peak', and 'Finally' are used effectively to guide the reader through the sequence of events, though occasional mechanical transitions are present. Referencing is generally clear, contributing to a coherent overall arrangement.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The vocabulary used provides an adequate range for the task, allowing for some flexibility and precision in describing a scientific process. Less common items such as 'condensation', 'precipitation', 'arid conditions', and 'leeward side' are attempted with a good awareness of style and subject-specific collocations. There are a few minor lexical inaccuracies, such as writing 'line diagram' instead of 'process diagram' or 'flow chart', and a minor spelling error in 'approching'. Nevertheless, these errors do not impede communication, and the vocabulary remains sufficient to convey the intended scientific concepts clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response employs a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating an ability to construct compound-complex sentences such as 'After crossing the peak, the dry air descends on the leeward side.' Good control is shown over verb tenses used for describing processes. However, there are some noticeable grammatical errors and punctuation issues, notably a comma splice in the third paragraph ('when winds approach the coast encounter a mountain range, they are forced upward consequently'). While these errors persist, they rarely impede communication, and there are enough error-free sentences to reflect a solid intermediate command of grammar and punctuation.

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